R.A.D. Ballet

The Oakville Academy for the Arts is proud of its world renowned, body friendly and fair Royal Academy of Dance (R.A.D.) Ballet Program.

This year nearly 200 dancers successfully completed Graded and Vocational Graded (pre-professional) Examinations and Assessments under the direction of highly-trained and well-respected Faculty.

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After careful consideration, the Oakville Academy for the Arts chose to follow this training system as developed by the internationally-recognized Royal Academy of Dance. Founded in 1920 in London, England, it was created to educate and guide teachers to develop young children into healthy dancers. Our Registered Teachers are serious in their commitments to the students of The Oakville Academy for the Arts and to the Royal Academy of Dance and maintain their certification by attending Teaching Courses set out by the R.A.D.. Further to their R.A.D. certifications their degrees from Ryerson, York and other Universities support their wealth of knowledge in healthy training and creative learning in this beautiful performance art. Protecting self esteem of vulnerable teenagers and the growing bodies and joints of all Dancers needs to take precedent in Ballet Training and the R.A.D. program is the healthiest out there.

The OAA was the first in Ontario to explore and prepare little Dancers in the R.A.D. Pre-School Dance Curriculum. It has been an overwhelming success and serves to consolidate our commitment of sound, healthful dance training from the outset to both parents and students alike. Careful nurturing of dancers technique, bodies, emotions and intellect is a priority in all their training. This enables the graduates of The Oakville Academy for the Arts to pursue their goals with a solid foundation in this beautiful art form.

The developmental and graduated R.A.D. Graded system ensures an even-handed training in ballet; introduces Character Dance (dances from different countries) and Modern Dance (via the Free Movement section). The Vocational Graded system prioritizes the Pre-Professional dancer with the focus on ballet technique, including pointework.

At the OAA, General Level classes are offered from Pre-Ballet through to R.A.D. Grade Seven (even Adults can try these Senior Exams!) For students showing dance potential and considering a career in dance, pre-professional study is also offered. Classes are available from R.A.D. Intermediate Foundation through to Advanced Two, with prestigious Solo Seal coaching available by arrangement. Mentorship for the R.A.D. Teaching Certificate Program is also offered, upon audition and acceptance into the program.

Students are placed according to minimum-age requirements and ability. Every attempt is made to enter all dancers into R.A.D. Exams and Assessments, and all, but the Adult Program, dance in the Year-End Showcase. Twice-yearly written evaluations, Parent Viewing Weeks and the preparation and participation in the R.A.D. Examinations and Assessments ensure that we are all working towards the same goals.

The Ballet Division of the Oakville Academy prides itself on the honest, healthful approach it takes on developing young students. The Academy also employs full-time accompanists to enhance the experience for dancers. With the diverse and dedicated Faculty of Teachers and Pianists, dancers can find growth and sustenance throughout their training journey.

The Oakville Academy for the Arts is a unique facility that holds the largest ballet school in Oakville. The state of the art facility has free parking and is located inside The Upper Oakville Shopping Plaza where busy parents can shop or relax while they wait for their dancers. The clean studios are well equipped for dance, specifically ballet as they are spacious and fitted with double-sprung floors, with Adagio surfaces to decrease the chance of injury and protect Dancers on Pointe.

Year End Recitals: Our programs conclude with a Year End Celebration to mark the exceptional learning and progress of our students in their performance art. Our youngest dancers (Pre Dance 2 1/2 – 3 years of age) perform in the Oakville Academy performance studio on our professional stage in a show celebrating not only their first time in a formal performance setting, but the developmental accomplishments of their year. This is followed by an in-house tea party.

Our Six and Younger dancers have a unique Junior Recital in a small, safe and local theatre generating special memories for both child and parents. The show is approximately one hour in length and perfect for their attention span and provides an exceptional way for our young dancers to share their accomplishments with a warm and intimate audience. This contributes to these first formal recitals being a positive and self-confidence building experiences.

Our age Seven and older Dancers perform at the spectacular and world class Living Arts Centre in a show that integrates our Music Department and Dance Program resulting in a truly unique, quintessentially professional experience for our dancers and audience. Each show runs under 3 hours in length and Dancers will perform in 1 show. These shows receive rave reviews year after year.

For those who have the desire to dance, but not the background, the Academy also offers several quick start programs. These classes cater to those without a history in ballet and those who have taken some time away from dance. At the OAA, it is never too late to pursue the arts.

Ballet Grades 1-8 (1 Hour) *Dancers are required to take two classes per week*

This Royal Academy of Dance syllabus provides a broad practical dance education and develops technical, musical and performance skills. It incorporates classical ballet, free movement and character work. Character work is the theatrical presentation of national dance using ethnic dance and music. With each Graded level the content gets progressively more difficult. Dancers are expected to take two classes per week, to help build their technique and strength. At the end of the season, Students have to opportunity to be assessed by a RAD examiner through observation of pre-set exercises, studies and dances. Dancers also participate in our year end Senior Recital.

This Royal Academy of Dance syllabus provides a broad practical dance education and develops technical, musical and performance skills. It incorporates ballet, free movement and pointe work. Dancers are expected to take two classes per week, to help build their technique and strength. At the end of the season, Students have an opportunity to be assessed by an RAD Examiner through observation of pre-set exercises, studies and dances. Dancers also participate in our year end Senior Recital.